It was only a matter of time before the Tesla Cybertruck found its way into law enforcement. That moment has arrived: the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has officially launched the nation’s first fully operational Tesla Cybertruck patrol fleet.
The department unveiled 10 customized Cybertrucks, each equipped for tactical operations. According to LVMPD, these vehicles will assist officers during critical incidents such as barricades, shootings, and high-risk service calls. Each area command across Las Vegas will receive one of the futuristic trucks.
Built for the Strip—and Beyond
Naturally, it makes sense that Las Vegas—a city known for spectacle—would be the first to deploy such a striking police vehicle. With its angular stainless-steel body, adaptive air suspension, and four-wheel steering, the Cybertruck feels at home in a city that celebrates the dramatic and the high-tech.
The trucks, valued at around $80,000 each, were not purchased using taxpayer funds. Instead, they were donated by venture capitalist Ben Horowitz (of Andreessen Horowitz) and his wife, Felicia Horowitz, as part of an initiative to modernize the department’s fleet.
Advantages of an Electric Patrol Vehicle
While the Cybertruck may appear excessive for daily police work, it does offer practical advantages. The trucks are fitted with ballistic-resistant panels, require minimal maintenance, and, being fully electric, they consume no fuel while idling—a common challenge for traditional police cruisers.
The vehicles were modified by Up.Fit, a company specializing in converting electric vehicles for public safety. Sheriff Kevin McMahill emphasized that the move aligns with LVMPD’s goal to become “the most technologically advanced police department in the country.”
“These trucks are high performance, and they're built tough to handle everything from Fremont Street to Red Rock Canyon,” McMahill said. “They’ll help our officers work more safely and efficiently—and yes, they look pretty cool too.”
A Hint of the Future—Or a Dystopian Flash?
Not everyone is celebrating the move. Some observers note that the Cybertruck’s Blade Runner-inspired design evokes a dystopian image of policing. Even Elon Musk once said the vehicle looked like something a futuristic cop might drive in Blade Runner—a world, as he pointed out, that was far from utopian.
Still, in a city famous for its flair, the Cybertruck patrol units fit right in. Whether they symbolize the future of police technology or just another Vegas spectacle, one thing is certain—the LVMPD’s Cybertrucks are impossible to ignore.
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